### 198

The Skarada are less than thirty feet away when Lieutenant Quang shouts ‘Fire!’ As one, you release your straining bowstrings and send a volley of Arrows whistling into the advancing enemy. The missiles all hit their mark and the four Skarada tumble forwards, mortally wounded. Quang compliments everyone on their fine bowmanship and orders you all to shoulder your bows. You comply with his order and follow behind as he canters his horse towards the fallen Skarada. Two of them have been killed outright, and the remaining two are swiftly put out of their misery by the blade of Quang’s kirusami.

Your Sixth Sense warns you that these Skarada are not the only ones of their kind occupying the tree-line. Another two groups are now rushing towards this area, from the east and the south. Fearing that you could be surrounded by them when they converge, you shout a warning to Lieutenant Quang and he quickly mounts his horse and brings it alongside yours.

‘We can’t go forward and we daren’t go any deeper into the forest,’ he says, thoughtfully. ‘We’d best take our chances out on the plain. We’re behind the Chagarashi roadblock now. If the highway is clear between the roadblock and Vabou, we’ll ride there directly.’ You agree with the Lieutenant’s plan and pass the word to the Watchers. Together, you turn your horses to the west and ride out from the tree-line, heading for the highway two miles beyond the open grassland.

Turn to 108.